The 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reminds us that the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities are central to our shared story. From business and the arts to public service and community leadership, these influences enrich every corner of our state. This year it is especially important to pause and affirm the strength, resilience, and enduring impact of these communities—because our collective future is brighter when every contribution is recognized and valued.
Hispanic Heritage celebrations are being held by OYA’s Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations (OIIR) throughout the month at Eastern Oregon, Rogue Valley, Tillamook and Camp Tillamook, MacLaren, Oak Creek and Jackie Winters Transition Program (JWTP), and Camp Riverbend, including educational activities, folkloric dancing, cultural meals, and performances from Aztec Dancing group Huehca Omeyocan.
Spotlight: Mexican Folklorico Dancing at Oak Creek and JWTP
Oak Creek and JWTP youth spent weeks practicing to come together with community performers to present a dancing showcase for staff and families. As one youth said, “It means a lot to us, to be able to get out of our comfort zone and be able to still be a part of our culture even though we are in here, so thank you.”
This year Paola Sumoza-Maciel, OIIR Multicultural Program Coordinator, worked with professional Folklorico Dancer Lourdes Vasquez Mendoza to choreograph and teach traditional dances from Veracruz and Sinaloa states. Youth also had the opportunity to learn more modern surprise dances, which are a tradition in quinceañeras.
Another youth expressed gratitude to Paola, “I want to be able to celebrate my culture and where I am from. I feel like you put a lot of effort into letting us know where we come from. Especially some of us don’t even know where we’re from. And I just really appreciate that because it takes a lot of effort to put a community together to try and do something and to show it in front of everybody…and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Twenty three youth participated from the two facilities, the largest group to date. Sumoza-Maciel observes, “One of the most important benefits of the work we do is the cross-cultural aspect. The youth who are Latina benefit from getting to deepen their connection to their heritage. These performances were really important to youth who aren’t Latina too, to be able to appreciate another culture on a different level. I see a genuine respect and appreciation for each other.”
The dance portion of the afternoon concluded with folkloric performances from Dancers Casa de la Cultura Tlanese. After the performances, families shared a cultural meal of pupusas, rice, beans, and Agua de Horchata with the youth. OIIR Youth Service Coordinators Bridgette Johnson helped plan and organize the special day with support from Hispanic Services Coordinator Ramon Diaz.
Sumoza-Maciel wrapped the festivities with a heartfelt message, “And I hope that when you guys get to leave out of here, that you get to find yourselves better, know who you guys are, and make positive choices. Because I would like to see everybody out there. I want to see you perform in front of a bigger audience.”